Cecilia Keaveney (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 201: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to a staffing and capital grant for a group (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37453/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The equal opportunities childcare programme, EOCP, 2000-06 has an equal opportunities and social inclusion perspective and facilitates the further development and expansion of child care facilities to address the needs of parents in reconciling their child care needs with their participation in employment, education and training.

With regard to the community based group referred to by the Deputy, applications for capital and staffing grant assistance were submitted to my Department. Each application for assistance under the EOCP undergoes a thorough assessment by Pobal, formerly known as Area Development Management Limited, which is engaged by my Department to operate the day to day implementation of the programme. On completion of the assessment process, applications are then considered by the programme appraisal committee, chaired by my Department, before a final decision is made regarding funding. I understand from inquiries I have made that decisions in respect of these applications are being finalised, following which the group will be advised of the outcome.